Produce Industry Athletes Inviting Industry to the Celebration

Tour de Fresh is just a month away and produce industry cyclists are training for an epic ride and an epic celebration culminating on the steps of the Anaheim Convention Center, and industry is invited.

As many in the produce industry prepare for yet another large industry convention in October, there are 50 individuals that are planning and training every day for their own journey to the PMA. 

While most attendees choose to fly or drive to Anaheim, the 50 produce industry cyclists will be riding together along the breathtaking Big Sur coast taking the long way in ultimately reaching those busy Orange County streets.

This year marks the 6th annual TourdeFresh and the route is taking the group back to its roots repeating the inaugural ride from Carmel to Anaheim hugging the Big Sur Coast, climbing the hills in San Ynez Valley and winding along the PCH through Malibu.  The route is similar to that first ride in 2014, but the riders are different, and the non-profit organization has successfully raised over $750,000 in five years.

This year as the group makes that final turn onto Convention Way, the TourdeFresh participants are inviting you to be there for the finish.  The Finish Line Ceremony made possible by the

Produce Marketing Association will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11:30AM.  “We know everyone is already making their travel plans, meeting plans, and dinner plans for the convention, so we are asking that you add just one more event to your schedule and attend finish line event with us on Wednesday” says Cindy Jewell, on behalf of California Giant Foundation. “Bring a

sign, a noise maker, or just your loud voice to cheer these colleagues on as they complete their 300-mile journey to support the United Fresh Start Foundation and salad bars for schools,” she adds.

As the riders stand on stage made of CHEP pallets, a check will be presented to Tom Stenzel of United Fresh, and a salad bar will be presented to a local Anaheim area school to signify the many more salad bars to be distributed following the ride. 

It’s not too late to donate to the cause here or contact tdf@calgiant.com 

ABOUT TOUR DE FRESH

Tour de Fresh, presented by The California Giant Foundation, is the one-of-its-kind, collaborative event that unites the most significant brands and influencers in the fresh produce industry for a four-day cycling event that raises funds to benefit the Salad Bars to Schools campaign. In its first five years (2014-2018), Tour de Fresh placed more than 230 salad bars in schools across the country. Sponsors and participants alike strongly believe that providing healthy eating opportunities for school children should be a requirement, which keeps this event thriving year after year.

ABOUT SALAD BARS TO SCHOOLS

Salad Bars to Schools is a public health campaign to increase salad bars in schools across the country so that every child has the choice of healthy fruits and vegetables every day at school. Salad Bars to Schools supports former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to end childhood obesity in a generation. Salad Bars to Schools founding partners are: The United Fresh Start Foundation, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance, the Chef Ann Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation. More information can be found online at www.saladbars2schools.org.